Ariana Grande Sued Over 'Iconic' Phrase in Hit 'The Way'

The Nickelodeon star is accused of using the 'iconic' phrase from disco and funk group The Jimmy Castor Bunch's 1972 song called 'Troglodyte' in her mega hit 'The Way'.

Ariana Grande is being hit with a lawsuit over her collaboration hit with Mac Miller, "The Way". A U.K.-based company called Minder Music accuses Grande and Miller of illegally using a phrase from a 1972 track titled "Troglodyte" by disco and funk group The Jimmy Castor Bunch.

Grande's song opens with phrase "What we're going to do is go back, back into time." Meanwhile, "Troglodyte" begins with Jimmy Castor saying, "What we're gonna do right here is go back, way back, back into time."

Similar phrases have also been used in songs by N.W.A, Christina Aguilera, and more. However, Minder Music says the phrase is "iconic" and can't be used without license.

Minder Music, which filed a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday, December 11, also named Sony/ATV and UMG Recordings as defendants. Minder Music is now seeking a declaration of willful infringement, a permanent injunction, statutory damages of $150,000 per infringement, and further attorneys' fees.

"The Way" is featured in Grande's chart-topping debut album, "Yours Truly". The song peaked at No. 9 on Billboard 100 and spent 26 weeks on the chart.